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Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Romance, Adventure and Scottish Pirates. The Seafaring Rogue.



Love action-packed adventures in medieval Scotland? Romance on the high seas? If so, The Seafaring Rogue (Pirates of Britannia) has arrived. A spin-off from The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning series, this tale is for historical romance lovers. Expect a few good twists!

Join The Seafaring Rogue on book tour for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. More details below.

About the Book
  
Left for dead on the shores of Scotland, Fraser MacLomain falls in love with the healer who saves him. Yet Elspeth MacLauchlin has dark secrets - hidden truths rooted in a century old family feud. A vendetta is soon resurrected by vicious enemies who steal her away during a late night pirate attack.

Bent on saving her and reaping revenge, Fraser embraces a life of piracy. Cutthroat, out for blood, he relentlessly pursues his nemesis long after rumors of Elspeth's death and long after he abandons love for bitterness. But even a hardened heart can be thawed, as he soon discovers when catching his foe and being reunited with his love.

The Seafaring Rogue is a high seas adventure ripe with passion, intrigue, and treasure.


Also available at iTunes

Excerpt

“The plaid looks good,” she remarked, eying Fraser with appreciation.

She had worked tirelessly to mend his ripped and tattered MacLomain tartan. Now he wore nothing but the plaid wrapped around his waist and over his shoulder. Another means to test her, she was sure. Because there was no finer sight than Fraser dressed as he was with his chiseled muscles bared to the world.

“I think he enjoys his vanity fed,” Innis muttered as he grinned and rolled his eyes at the hill behind them. A hill that had hosted many a lass over the past few hours. Lasses, quite assuredly, out for a late-afternoon stroll to enjoy the view. And though they would claim otherwise, that view had nothing to do with the lovely bay. 

Even Audric was aware of the women, his cheeks turning red when he dared a random peek over his shoulder.

“Well, I would see Fraser’s vanity challenged,” Elspeth murmured, not speaking of his good looks as she picked up one of several swords Innis had brought down. One suited to her size. She met Fraser’s eyes in challenge. “Do ye accept, then?”

His brows perked in interest. “Ye know how to fight?”

“Of course,” she replied, wide-eyed. “’Twould be foolish in these tryin’ times not to, aye?”

“I suppose ‘twould,” he concurred, a new spark in his eyes. One, she realized, born of a man who appreciated a woman who knew how to defend herself. 

“So will ye then?” She made a show of testing the weight of the blade and even executed a few novice swings to prove she was good but not that good.

When a small smirk hovered on his lips, and his eyes narrowed on her grip, she knew he had her figured out.

“’Tis a good enough method making your opponent think ye cocky rather than talented,” he acknowledged. “But you’ll want to work some on your expression.”

“My expression?”

“Aye, ‘tis that of one with confidence, not insecurity.” He stepped close and brushed the pad of his weapon-roughened thumb between her brows. “It should furrow here as though ye are concentrating verra hard indeed.” Then he grazed it along her lips. “These should be turned down and mayhap wobble a wee bit as ye begin to doubt yourself. As if ye just realized ye took on more than ye can handle facing off with your particular enemy.”

After that, he dusted the outer edge of her brow indicating her eyes. “And these, of course, are your best weapon if you’re fighting a lad. Use them to look him over as if sizing him up.” A knowing gleam lit his eyes. “A look as if you’re trying to determine his weaknesses but realize mayhap there’s something to be attracted to instead.”

“I willnae do that,” she rebuffed, chuckling despite herself. “’Tis foolish.”

“I dinnae know.” Innis stroked the braids in his beard as he contemplated Elspeth. “I think Fraser is right. Especially when it comes to ye.”

“’Twill make me seem daft!” she retaliated.

“’Twill make ye seem as your rival likely expects ye to be,” Fraser counseled, still close enough that she could feel his heat. “A lass with a proper eye to pleasing a lad instead of a disobedient hellion trying to be something she’s not.”

When she narrowed her eyes, he merely shrugged and grinned. “I didnae say I agree with that mindset.” He stepped back and held his sword at arm’s length. “I’m more the sort that enjoys a wee lassie with a bit of backbone.”

“Good then.” She straightened said backbone and held her blade at the ready, wishing she wore trousers instead of a skirt.

They eyed one another and circled before she came at him fast. When he dodged, she spun quickly, came in low only for him to leap back with a grin of approval.

“Ye use your size to your advantage,” he praised. “And keep your movements quick but small.”

“Aye.” She ducked beneath the swing of his blade. “Douglas always said to conserve my energy. Especially when fighting a seasoned warrior.”

Innis guffawed. “Well, you’re certainly fighting such now, lassie!”

“Your brother’s words were wise,” Fraser conceded as they continued battling. While she knew he was holding back some, she could tell by his random nods of approval that it wasn’t as much as he thought it would be.

Yet as they continued crossing swords, she saw something shift in his eyes moments before he came at her a little harder. While she initially thought he was competitive and could not help himself, she soon realized it was for another reason altogether.

He truly cared about her well-being and wanted her to fight the best she could.

So as they fought and her energy waned, he offered not only praise where it was due but pointed out her every weakness. An elbow held too high on a swing. The incorrect angle of her knee when lunging. Breathing too heavily when she should be trying to measure her breaths for certain movements and speed. His was a well-balanced dance. A very specific manipulation of the body that included a mixture of thought out planning and spontaneity. 

By the time they were finished, she was sore in places she had never felt pain.

“Thank ye,” she managed, as she tossed aside her blade, planted her hands on her knees and tried to catch her breath. “I will be feeling this for days, I imagine.”

“’Tis good.” He smiled. “’Twill give ye a better idea of what needs strengthening.”

 Though not a lewd look by any means, as their eyes held, she got the strongest impression he longed to test other muscles as well. To see how limber she really was.

Pirates of Britannia Connected World contains all stand-alone novels that can be read in any order. Find your new book boyfriend in one of these exciting and passionate books.

Savage of the Sea by Eliza Knight
Leader of Titans by Kathryn Le Veque
The Sea Devil by Eliza Knight
SeaWolfe by Kathryn Le Veque
The Sea Lyon by Hildie McQueen
The Blood Reaver by Barbara Devlin
Plunder by Knight by Mia Pride
The Seafaring Rogue by Sky Purington

Also available at iTunes


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Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Pirates. Highlanders. Romance. The Seafaring Rogue (Pirates of Britannia)



Love pirates? Highlanders? Sweeping romance? If so, my contribution to the Pirates of Britannia World, The Seafaring Rogue, is now available for pre-order! A MacLomain Series: A New Beginning spin-off, this follows the tale of Fraser MacLomain as he navigates piratehood in 15th century Scotland.

About the Book

Left for dead on the shores of Scotland, Fraser MacLomain falls in love with the healer who saves him. Yet Elspeth MacLauchlin has deep dark secrets. Hidden truths rooted in a century old family feud. A vendetta that is soon resurrected by vicious enemies who steal her away during a late night pirate attack.

Bent on saving her and reaping revenge, Fraser embraces a life of piracy. Cutthroat, out for blood, he relentlessly pursues his nemesis long after rumor has Elspeth dead. Long after he abandons love for bitterness. But even a hardened heart can be thawed, as he soon discovers when catching his foe begins a high seas adventure ripe with passion, intrigue, and treasure.

Purchase at the following online bookstores.

Barnes & Noble- https://bit.ly/2IYrP7d

Also available at iTunes


A Sneak Peek Excerpt

“The plaid looks good,” she remarked, eying Fraser with appreciation.

She had worked tirelessly to mend his ripped and tattered MacLomain tartan. Now he wore nothing but the plaid wrapped around his waist and over his shoulder. Another means to test her, she was sure. Because there was no finer sight than Fraser dressed as he was with his chiseled muscles bared to the world.

“I think he enjoys his vanity fed,” Innis muttered as he grinned and rolled his eyes at the hill behind them. A hill that had hosted many a lass over the past few hours. Lasses, quite assuredly, out for a late-afternoon stroll to enjoy the view. And though they would claim otherwise, that view had nothing to do with the lovely bay. 

Even Audric was aware of the women, his cheeks turning red when he dared a random peek over his shoulder.

“Well, I would see Fraser’s vanity challenged,” Elspeth murmured, not speaking of his good looks as she picked up one of several swords Innis had brought down. One suited to her size. She met Fraser’s eyes in challenge. “Do ye accept, then?”

His brows perked in interest. “Ye know how to fight?”

“Of course,” she replied, wide-eyed. “’Twould be foolish in these tryin’ times not to, aye?”

“I suppose ‘twould,” he concurred, a new spark in his eyes. One, she realized, born of a man who appreciated a woman who knew how to defend herself. 

“So will ye then?” She made a show of testing the weight of the blade and even executed a few novice swings to prove she was good but not that good.

When a small smirk hovered on his lips, and his eyes narrowed on her grip, she knew he had her figured out.

“’Tis a good enough method making your opponent think ye cocky rather than talented,” he acknowledged. “But you’ll want to work some on your expression.”

“My expression?”

“Aye, ‘tis that of one with confidence, not insecurity.” He stepped close and brushed the pad of his weapon-roughened thumb between her brows. “It should furrow here as though ye are concentrating verra hard indeed.” Then he grazed it along her lips. “These should be turned down and mayhap wobble a wee bit as ye begin to doubt yourself. As if ye just realized ye took on more than ye can handle facing off with your particular enemy.”

After that, he dusted the outer edge of her brow indicating her eyes. “And these, of course, are your best weapon if you’re fighting a lad. Use them to look him over as if sizing him up.” A knowing gleam lit his eyes. “A look as if you’re trying to determine his weaknesses but realize mayhap there’s something to be attracted to instead.”

“I willnae do that,” she rebuffed, chuckling despite herself. “’Tis foolish.”

“I dinnae know.” Innis stroked the braids in his beard as he contemplated Elspeth. “I think Fraser is right. Especially when it comes to ye.”

“’Twill make me seem daft!” she retaliated.

“’Twill make ye seem as your rival likely expects ye to be,” Fraser counseled, still close enough that she could feel his heat. “A lass with a proper eye to pleasing a lad instead of a disobedient hellion trying to be something she’s not.”

When she narrowed her eyes, he merely shrugged and grinned. “I didnae say I agree with that mindset.” He stepped back and held his sword at arm’s length. “I’m more the sort that enjoys a wee lassie with a bit of backbone.”

“Good then.” She straightened said backbone and held her blade at the ready, wishing she wore trousers instead of a skirt.

They eyed one another and circled before she came at him fast. When he dodged, she spun quickly, came in low only for him to leap back with a grin of approval.

“Ye use your size to your advantage,” he praised. “And keep your movements quick but small.”

“Aye.” She ducked beneath the swing of his blade. “Douglas always said to conserve my energy. Especially when fighting a seasoned warrior.”

Innis guffawed. “Well, you’re certainly fighting such now, lassie!”

“Your brother’s words were wise,” Fraser conceded as they continued battling. While she knew he was holding back some, she could tell by his random nods of approval that it wasn’t as much as he thought it would be.

Yet as they continued crossing swords, she saw something shift in his eyes moments before he came at her a little harder. While she initially thought he was competitive and could not help himself, she soon realized it was for another reason altogether.

He truly cared about her well-being and wanted her to fight the best she could.

So as they fought and her energy waned, he offered not only praise where it was due but pointed out her every weakness. An elbow held too high on a swing. The incorrect angle of her knee when lunging. Breathing too heavily when she should be trying to measure her breaths for certain movements and speed. His was a well-balanced dance. A very specific manipulation of the body that included a mixture of thought out planning and spontaneity. 

By the time they were finished, she was sore in places she had never felt pain.

“Thank ye,” she managed, as she tossed aside her blade, planted her hands on her knees and tried to catch her breath. “I will be feeling this for days, I imagine.”

“’Tis good.” He smiled. “’Twill give ye a better idea of what needs strengthening.”

 Though not a lewd look by any means, as their eyes held, she got the strongest impression he longed to test other muscles as well. To see how limber she really was.

Barnes & Noble- https://bit.ly/2IYrP7d

Also available at iTunes  






Tuesday, November 1, 2016

A Heart-Wrenching Journey Through Time. Vengeance of a Viking- The MacLomain Series: Viking Ancestors' Kin #Romance #Dragons



Hello, all! I hope you had a great summer and enjoy a wonderful autumn. As always, I’ve been writing away. Lately, it’s all about Bjorn and Samantha as they continue the saga of The MacLomain Series: Viking Ancestors’ Kin in Vengeance of a Viking. I loved getting to know vivacious ‘Sam’ better and have been super eager to finally write about Bjorn. After all, he’s already been in three other novels. So I've been looking forward to getting to the root of what makes this overly disciplined Viking tick. As expected, it was a challenge bringing these two characters together. However, they ended up surprising me several times over. I hope they do you as well.

Be sure to read on to learn how you can enter for a chance to win a $25 gift card!!

Description


Recently divorced, Samantha is all about new beginnings. Her own company. A beautiful seaside house in Winter Harbor, Maine. A chance to reconnect with her sisters. But fate has something else in store. Tenth-century Scandinavia and a reality she never could have anticipated. After being whisked back in time not once but twice, she ends up in a situation she didn’t see coming. Kidnapped by a Viking.

Of dragon blood, Bjorn Sigdir knew the moment he met Samantha that she was nothing but trouble. How else could it be? She bears the mark of Gungnir, the sword given to Odin by Loki. A blade he is convinced will ruin his people and all affiliated with them. Determined to protect his kin, he concocts a plan that will keep Samantha and her unfortunate tattoo far away from trouble. Or so he thinks when he yanks her back in time.

One a captor, one a prisoner, Bjorn and Samantha embark on a journey full of unending strife. Feisty and independent, she has her own mind. Headstrong and stubborn, he does too. However, they soon have bigger problems than their mutual dislike of each other. Secrets. Ones that force them closer and forge something unexpected. Respect. Attraction. Desire. Yet they face a huge obstacle. If they give into love, all could be lost, including everyone they care about.

Follow the turbulent, heart-wrenching journey of Bjorn and Samantha in Vengeance of a Viking.


Excerpt


“All right, lead the way, kidnapper,” Samantha declared. “But I hope to heck it’s in the direction of your fortress because last I checked you had an ailing father and a best friend turned king who needs you.”

Bjorn ignored her sarcasm and frowned as he nudged her along through the forest. Näv had done him no favors with Samantha’s outfit, and well the devious seer likely knew it. Now she wore brown, fitted leather pants and a snug jerkin that did nothing to hide her figure. Naturally, the feisty redhead swayed her hips invitingly though they traveled over rougher and rougher terrain. And by Loki’s balls, he knew she did it on purpose.

“So, when are you gonna tell me why you’re avoiding your family and obligations just for little old me?” she finally said.

Samantha had a strange way of saying things. He understood her meaning more so because of her various, unending expressions than because of her actual words. As it was, the Yggdrasill allowed them to understand one another’s language but not necessarily the slang terms or twenty-first century sayings. So there was room for interpretation. Or at least there would be with any other woman besides Samantha.

His eyes remained locked on her swaying backside.

She made things pretty clear.

“Bjorn?” She stopped short, and he walked right into her.

Like the night before, they both froze. Unable to control himself, he leaned down, nuzzled close and inhaled the scent of her soft, thick hair. It smelled of sweet flowers that had warmed in the sun all day.

“Bjorn,” she whispered and turned ever-so-slowly, curling into him like a cat might her master…like a sweet little dragon might her captor. He licked his lips, eager to play her game. Curious to see how far she would take it.

“Did you know I’ve got a thing for you?” she purred as she flicked her tongue along the side of his neck and her hand trailed up his thigh. “Since the moment I saw you in that cave in the mountain.”

“Did you really?” he murmured, remembering well her appreciation for all men present. But hell if he wasn’t enjoying this. So he grabbed her backside with one hand and more than relished the gasp she released when he yanked her close. “Tell me more.”

She swallowed, unsure for a moment before she continued, her voice ridiculously sultry. “How could I not?” she murmured. “You were all big and strong and…”

When her hand closed over the hilt of the dagger at his waist, his hand closed around hers and squeezed. “And what, Samantha?” he whispered close to her ear.

Yet again their eyes met and narrowed on each other except this time their lips were inches apart. Her heartbeat quickened. So did his. He squeezed her backside while slowly guiding her hand to pull his dagger out and press it to his side. Bjorn repositioned it until one good thrust would be all it took. “Is this what you want, woman? To end me?”

Their eyes continued to hold, but she said nothing.

Yet something happened.

Something he didn’t expect.


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